From silly to sacred, a priest speaks …

The Washington Post article in 1949 proclaims, “Priest Frees 14-Year-Old Boy Reported Held in Devil’s Grip.” Almost immediately the story was picked up by the other news services and magazines. Who would think that such a thing could still happen, and in all places, modern-day America? The story has been told and retold.

Picture Here of an Oriental Demon

Unable to get access to archdiocesan records, William Peter Blatty produced his fictionalized account that resulted in a blockbuster movie of 1974. One priest lamented at the time, “It is tragic that the devil should prove so popular with people when they seem so disinterested in God.” The conclusion of the film was most lamentable in that the young priest exchanges his body for that of the child as a host to the demon and then throws himself from the window. If the story had been true, one could logically contend that the devil was really after the priest the entire time. In other words, the devil really won and the rituals and intercession of the Catholic Church were proven impotent. Fortunately, such portrayals are restricted to the movies and the real story shows that the power of Christ and of his Church can still vanquish the demonic.

HOW IT REALLY STARTED

Unlike the movie, the story surrounded a young boy who was born June 1, 1935. He and his parents lived just outside Washington, D.C. in Cottage City, not far from Mount Rainier, Maryland. (Some sources claim a popular Mount Ranier location as the site of the boy’s home. The house at this location has been torn down and a dance studio is now on the site. The diary gives the Cottage City location, instead. I do not feel it appropriate to give the full address. However, since Catholics in the past identified themselves by their parishes, we might still call this the Mount Ranier Case. The boy converted to the Catholic faith and claimed St. James parish as his own in Mount Ranier.) The first signs of trouble started on January 15, 1949. He was thirteen years old. While his parents were out that evening, he and his grandmother heard a dripping sound in the house. It only lasted for a brief period and then a picture of Jesus on the wall began to shake as if something had bumped into it. When his parents had returned home, a definite scratching noise could be heard under the floorboards next to his grandmother’s bed. This sound of scratching was repeated each night from about 7:00 PM until midnight. Logically, the family figured that there must be a rodent problem. An exterminator was called. However, despite taking up the floorboards and wall panels to spread poison, the sound did not cease. Indeed, the disturbing noises became worse.

Some ten days afterwards the noises ceased and all believed the rodent to be dead. Nevertheless, the boy was under the impression that he could still hear the scratching noises. Three days later the sound became audible to the rest of the family again.

The exorcist writes: “When the sound became audible again, it was no longer in the upstairs bedroom but had moved downstairs to the boy’s bedroom. It was heard as the sound of squeaking shoes along the bed and was heard only at night when the boy went to bed. The squeaking sound continued for six nights, on the sixth night scratching again was audible.”

It appears that the invitation for this spiritual invasion was inadvertently initiated through a favorite aunt of the boy. She had died in St. Louis two weeks prior to the first registered phenomena. “It developed that the aunt of the boy and his parents had used a Ouija board, and this probably gave the devil his first entrance.” Many religious authorities are convinced that such a so-called toy actually offers an invitation to evil spirits. Aunt Tillie had been an enthusiast of spiritualism. Suspecting something supernatural in the sound of marching feet, the boy’s mother asked (according to the exorcist’s journal): “‘Is that you Aunt Tillie?’ She obtained no verbal reply and continued: (evidently aware of the methods employed by spiritualists) ‘If this is you, knock three times.’ There were waves of air striking the grandmother, mother and boy, and three distinct knocks were heard on the floor. The mother asked again: ‘If you are Tillie, tell me positively by knocking four times.’ Four distinct knocks were heard.”

As time went by, it became evident that strange occurrences and sounds seemed to follow the boy.

“An orange and a pear flew across the entire room where he was standing.”

“The kitchen table was upset without any movement on the boy’s part.”

“Milk and food were thrown off the table and stove.”

“The breadboard was thrown onto the floor.”

“Outside the kitchen a coat on its hanger flew across the room.”

“A Bible was thrown directly at the foot of the boy but did not injure him in any way.”

“His desk at school moved about on the floor similar to the plate on an Ouija board.” This latter evidence of telekinesis forced the boy to quit school because of embarrassment.

Things became increasingly worse at home. “On one occasion the coverlet of the bed was pulled out from under the mattress and the edges stood up above the surface of the bed in a curled form as though held up with starch. When the bystanders touched the bedspread, the sides fell back to normal position.” It was also stated that “At first everybody, including the boy, took it as a kind of joke, but it became more than a joke.” Soon thereafter, “the word LOUIS was written in deep red on the boy’s ribs,” seeming to indicate that some invisible force desired that the boy travel to St. Louis where his favorite aunt lived.

THE LUTHERAN MINISTER

His mother called a minister of her faith, a local Lutheran pastor. He was dubious about the whole matter. Although suspicious of the chest message, written upside down as if self-inflicted, he requested that the family come to his home. What happened next struck him as defying any natural explanation. His offer to keep the boy over at his home was accepted. It was the 17th of February in 1949. At about 10:00 PM, they decided to go to bed. The room contained twin beds. After about ten minutes, the boy’s bed began to vibrate. The headboard was banging against the frame.

The minister reported: “It made a lot of racket. I thought he was shaking it but he was making no visible movement.” Seeking a practical remedy to the situation, he placed the boy in a large overstuffed chair and sat beside him. Slowly the chair began to tilt upon its side and the minister had to grab it before it fell over. The good pastor insisted that there was no way the boy could be pushing the chair over since his legs were thoroughly tucked beneath him. He then placed the boy on a scatter rug upon the floor. Certainly, this would resolve the matter for the night. But no, the rug “moved slowly until it got to the wall and then it stopped.” The poor clergyman was utterly befuddled. “I remember thinking he must be doing it himself but I realized later that would have been impossible. There was no movement of his body.” The boy was delivered home the next day. Because of his Protestant theology, the minister sought a natural explanation. Unable to come up with one, he categorized the whole incident under unknown forces.

FROM SHRINK TO WITCHDOCTOR TO PRIEST

A psychiatrist from Georgetown University was called in but refusing to believe in the phenomena he simply reported that the boy was normal but “somewhat high-strung”. The family complicated matters further by calling a spiritualist. However, his incantations for dispelling spirits failed. Indeed, the situation became graver.

Having a relative married to a Catholic, the boy’s mother described the situation to him. His response was “If what you say is true, then you should consult a priest.” The family called the nearby parish, St. James Catholic Church. The boy’s father made an appointment to talk to one of the priests. The clergyman gave him various sacramentals: holy water, blessed candles, and some recommended prayers. “Once when the mother had sprinkled the holy water around the room, she placed the bottle on a dresser and it was picked up by the spirit and smashed. When one of the candles was lighted, the flame shot up to the ceiling, and the candle was extinguished for fear that the house might be set on fire.” The suggested prayers seemed to make the phenomena worse. Deciding to call back the priest, the clergyman heard a great crashing sound. The mother of the boy told him that the telephone table she was using had broken into a hundred pieces.

This anxious situation refused to end and matters grew tenser. The priest, Fr. E. Albert Hughes, went to the chancellor of the archdiocese. He was warned to move slowly and not to leap to rash judgments. The young priest explained that he had done as much. After a meeting with the archbishop, Most Reverend Patrick A. O’Boyle, he was authorized to initiate the exorcisms. Fr. Hughes resisted, hoping that an older and more experienced man might be chosen instead. He “understood that this should be done by a very holy man because the devil is wont to expose the sins of the priest; so the Father went to Baltimore and made a general confession. But the devil is the father of lies, and there is a theological opinion that he is unable to reveal sins that have been forgiven.”

The archbishop insisted, the young priest had to offer the ritual. It would prove a terrible miscalculation. Between February 27 and March 4, the boy was moved to Georgetown University Hospital. A young man and altar server (George) who was known for his abilities in high school football was drafted by the priest to assist him. This young man is still with us and is a leader in the local Knights of Columbus today. He told me that he had a terrible struggle to hold the possessed boy down. That he could spit across the room with deadly accuracy. At one point he lost his patience and even slugged the other boy to keep him under control. He saw himself as the popular priest’s body guard. The priest made him go to confession and pledged him not to tell his mother and friends the details of the encounters. They tied the hands and feet of the boy to the bedposts. He reacted violently to the ritual. Loose items in the room crashed to the floor. The bed shook uncontrollably. Strenuously the large server sought to hold the bed down. The victim was a small boy and yet he possessed incredible strength. The priest warned his young assistant not to enter into dialogue with the boy, only to give the required responses to the ritual words of the priest. Strange words came forth from the restrained boy, supposedly Aramaic, a form of ancient Hebrew. Previously the boy had taunted the priest in Latin. Objects were thrown around the room. The boy growled like an inhuman animal. Then it happened. Somehow the boy had gotten a hand free of the restraints. He secretly tore through the heavy mattress and ripped out a metal spring. The server responded to the words uttered by Fr. Hughes in the ritual. At the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, the boy attacked the priest and tore a gash into the cleric’s arm from his shoulder to his wrist. Blood exploded over everything! The ritual prayer book was caked in the priest’s blood! He screamed out! The exorcism had ended in failure. The priest’s life was saved by the doctors and his arm had a long track of a hundred plus stitches. He would have lingering problems with the arm and it would visibly drag at the consecration during Masses.

As an interesting aside, the young server in this episode was struck in the eye by the afflicted boy. He would develop a black eye and it was joked that maybe the priest had socked him. When the priest mysteriously left the parish, only he knew the true reason. The good priest would need to recuperate from his terrible encounter and injury. After this event, colleagues of the priest say that Fr. Hughes was never quite the same. He became quieter. He was intensely reserved about what had happened. One remarked that it was as if he was a haunted man. He died in 1980.

The sources are clear about this next point. “Up to this time everything had been obsession, that is, exterior to the boy, but as soon as the exorcisms began, real possession began.”

THEY GO TO SAINT LOUIS

The boy expressed a desire to go to St. Louis, and since they had relatives they could visit there, the family left with the hope of leaving their troubles behind them. Unfortunately, the problem with the boy did not improve. “Different displays were witnessed by two aunts of the boy, four uncles and four cousins. The printing ‘No School’ was seen by four people. The swaying of the mattress, the upsetting of bedroom furniture and the scratching on the mattress were observed by the entire group . . . Phenomena indicated that the spirit was not the devil but the soul of deceased Tillie. The spirit confirmed again to all present that she was Tillie by moving a heavy bed two or three feet with not one of the bystanders near the bed.”

Again a priest was consulted from the closest Catholic parish. Fr. Raymond J. Bishop, S.J., a teacher at the university came to the house on March 9. He “blessed the entire house, and used a special blessing in the boy’s room and on his bed. A second-class relic of St. Margaret Mary was safety-pinned to the extreme border of the pillow. Shortly after the boy retired, the mattress on his bed began to move back and forth in the direction of the bed uprights. The boy lay perfectly still, and did not exert any physical effort. The movement in one direction did not exceed more than three inches; the action was intermittent and completely subsided after a period of approximately fifteen minutes.” The next day, similar things happened. The relic was thrown to the floor. “The safety pin was open but no human hand had touched the relic. The boy started up in fright when the relic was thrown down.”

EXORCISM & BAPTISM

The next day, Friday, March 11, the priest who would perform the exorcisms visited the family. Fr. Bishop had in turn contacted Fr. William S. Bowdern, S.J. from St. Francis Xavier Church. He was shaken by what he observed. He brought additional relics and a crucifix. “Shortly after the boy had retired at 11:00 PM, he called downstairs that he had been frightened by a strong force that had thrown some object against the mirror in his bedroom. With safety pin opened, the relic of St. Margaret Mary had been thrown against the mirror and the sound was like a pellet striking the glass. Another occurrence was a cross mark scratched on the boy’s left, outer forearm. The pain was similar to that produced by a scratch of a thorn. The cross remained evident for approximately forty-five minutes.” The family telephoned the priest in Washington, and after a few days, the priest in St. Louis brought the case to his archbishop (Archbishop Ritter) and was authorized to continue with the exorcisms.

The symptoms of possession seemed to get worse and not better with the new exorcism attempts beginning on March 16. “The seizures took place in the evening when the boy went to bed and would last from 8:OO to 12 Midnight or 1:00 AM, intermittently, and then the boy would go off into a perfectly normal sleep for nine or ten hours.” It was decided a few days later to recite the prayers earlier so that everyone could get more sleep. Nevertheless, the seizures were unabated and started about 9:00 at night and lasted until 2:00 or 3:00 AM.

Sometimes as many as ten people were required to hold the boy during seizures. He would tear the sheets and pillows to shreds, as well as the shirts and undershirts of those who restrained him. He was utterly wild, hitting and kicking. He even broke the nose of one of the assisting Jesuit students. One incident had him scratching the exorcist’s arm so badly that he could not lift it for a number of days.

“Coming out of a seizure he would complain of feeling very hot and would ask for a glass of water. After one of the seizures in the beginning, he said that the evil spirit seems to carry him down into a pit about two hundred feet deep where there were intense heat and vile evil spirits. In the beginning also he seemed to be in a long, dark cave with a tiny bit of light at the far end; as the exorcism progressed, the lighted end seemed to grow larger and larger, in one of the exorcisms, the spirit, in the body of the boy, pointed to one of the priests who were assisting and said: ‘What is the use of you being here; you will be with me in hell in 1957.’”

A few days passed. The boy asked to be baptized. It should be noted that his father had been baptized a Catholic and that some of his cousins in St. Louis were Catholics. Once consulted, the parents were agreeable. The boy was instructed and preparations were made to baptize him in church. “On the appointed morning he rose, took a shower, ate his usual breakfast and set out for the church in a car driven by his uncle. Just before reaching the church the boy grabbed his uncle by the neck and said: ‘You S.O.B., you think I am going to be baptized, but you are going to be fooled.’ The uncle was just able to seize the emergency brake and avert a collision by an inch. It was realized that to baptize the boy in the church would create a scene, so he was taken to the third floor of the rectory, which stands in back of the church but faces Lindell Boulevard. Every time he was asked: ‘Do you renounce Satan and all his works?’ he would go into a rage. Only after several hours of repetition was the boy able to reply: ‘I do renounce Satan and all his works.’ Then it required several more hours to get the water poured on the boy’s head.”

After the rite of initiation, things became calm and quiet for a couple days. However, then the demonic business started up again and worse than before. Some of the phenomenon was quite peculiar. “One was the amount of spittle that the boy could discharge: there would be half-a-pint at one time. At times he would ask for a glass of water and it would be given to him, although it was known what would happen. It would be spat back on the bystanders. While the priest read the exorcisms, two others would hold a towel in front of his face to protect his glasses, but it was useless; the spittle would go under the towel, over the towel or around the towel and strike directly on the priest’s glasses, and the boy’s eyes would be closed the whole time. Another phenomenon was excessive urination. During the seizures the boy would utter the vilest obscenities, curses, blasphemies and ribald songs, all in a high falsetto voice that was off key.” It is noted that at one stage, the exorcist had to protect himself with a pillow, for the boy’s head moved like a cobra, aiming non-stop with spittle for his face.

FIRST COMMUNION

The exorcist and the family returned to the Washington, D.C. area. The boy’s parents were at wits end and were suffering from sleep deprivation. Fr. Hughes tried to get the boy committed to a sanatorium or hospital in the Washington-Baltimore area, but none would take him. It was decided to take him to the Alexian Brothers Hospital in St. Louis. He was given instructions in preparation for his first communion. The hope was that receiving the Eucharist might bring the possession to an end. “When the time came, it was impossible to get the Host near his tongue, but finally, after several hours, they succeeded in placing it on his tongue and three times he spat it out. Eventually success was achieved. This was on April 2, the first Saturday of the month, a day dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima. The title was explained to the boy and he showed great interest. But the seizures continued.”

“WHAT IS YOUR NAME?”

During the exorcism, the priest asked for the first time its name. “What is your name and when will you depart?” The response was simply “Shut up, shut up.” Later, “in answer to the question of his name, the words, ‘Hell, Spirit,’ appeared in red letters on the boy’s chest. In reply to the question of departure, red numbers: 4, 8, 10, 16, some Roman numerals appeared on the boy’s body. He said: ‘I will not go until a certain word is pronounced and this boy will never say it.’ There also appeared a red arrow extending from the boy’s throat to the bottom of his abdomen, and it was thought that the spirit might go out by the way of urine, as has happened in some cases.”

An appendage to the diary tells us that “the boy would greet the priests with filthy, foul obscenities, fluently answer the exorcist’s questions in Latin, a language he had never studied.” One day the boy was sitting in bed reading about Our Lady of Fatima with the book on his knees when he was thrown into a seizure. He threw the book across the room. On another occasion, he was given a glass of milk and threw that across the room. On one of the final days, a Jesuit scholastic gave the boy a plate of chipped beef. He grabbed the plate, jumped to one side of the room, and threatened to brain anyone approaching him. While one assistant approached him from one side, the scholastic crawled under the bed to seize him. The boy threw and smashed the dish of food against the wall.

LIBERATION AT LAST

Despite hope that the possession would end during Holy Week, it continued through Easter Sunday with particularly violent seizures. The worst day of all was April 18, Easter Monday. The exorcist and his assistants were becoming completely discouraged.

“Suddenly, at 11:00 PM, a new voice was heard from the boy; a beautiful, rich, deep bass voice exclaimed: ‘Satan, Satan, go, now, now, now to the pit where you belong, in the name of DOMINUS (the Lord).’ That was the word and at that moment the boy felt a tearing sensation in his stomach, relaxed and lay perfectly quiet. He described what has happened. He saw a brilliant figure, visible from the waist up, clothed in a close-fitting white garment which had the appearance of scales; the hair was long and flowing in a wind; the right hand held something like a flaming sword or light pointing downward. It was St. Michael the Archangel. When he spoke, the evil spirit rebelled against going until the word ‘Dominus’ was spoken and at this moment the boy felt the tearing sensation in his stomach. Then at some distance down he saw some evil spirits standing at the mouth of a cave from which flames issued. Then the spirits reluctantly withdrew into the cave, the opening closed and across it appeared the word: ‘Spite.’ Thus the possession was ended.”

CLOSING REMARKS

The diary tells us that the exorcist and his assistants “observed some severe fasting, mindful of the admonition of Christ that some devils can be driven out only by prayer and fasting.” There had been at least twenty exorcisms performed. One Jesuit involved remarked: “Only by examining the record after possession was ended, was it possible to see the meaning of the replies (the red marks on the boy’s body). The numbers may have been the days on which certain spirits departed from the boy, if there were actually more than one in his body.”

The Jesuit priest, Fr. Bowdern, passed away in 1983 and his assistant and then scholastic, Fr. Walter Halloran died from cancer March 1, 2005. The young server who tried to help Fr. Hughes has desired to remain anonymous. An interesting side note, George (the server) tells me that when the boy returned to Washington, he could not remember the active possession episodes. The possessed man is still living and there has been no trouble since. He married and had a nice family. Life went on.

A FEW ADDENDUM NEWSPAPER CITATIONS

An aunt of the boy said in a New York Times article from August 1972: (Upon the boy’s visit to her home) “All of a sudden the mattress starts going, just raised up in the air, and down, up and down, and my sister hollered for me, . . . oh I tell you that mattress just raised both of us right up in the air . . . . I happened to have a table against the wall with a vase of flowers on it and I got out but as my nephew tried to leave, that table actually flew in front of the door and would not let him out . . . .” In the same article it quotes what a Jesuit priest confided to him, “I assure you, Gene — I saw this with my own eyes — the boy did not tear the Ritual book, he dissolved it! The book vaporized into confetti and fell in small pieces to the floor!”

“Okay, maybe this story should not have been told?”

The staff writer Jeremiah O’Leary reported in the Evening Star that the boy spoke an unknown language that sounded similar to Hebrew. “A professor of Oriental languages from Catholic University was called in and he was shocked to discover the words coming from the boy’s mouth were in Aramaic, the language spoken in Palestine in Jesus’ day.”

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138 Responses

If Exorcisms are real you should give the pope and each president or Prime Minister an exorcism.The vatican is more corrupt than this country alone,if you have any thing to add e-mail me.Hell even a cardinal talks about the Devils Alter under the vatican.

FATHER JOE: Here is a perfect example of a first-class angry bigot. Nothing is explained, no argument is put forward, just unsubstantiated charges (or slurs, really).

I am currently doing research for a documentary on demonic possession and would love to learn a bit more about it, as well as the process of freeing the body from these demonic spirits. If you have a private email address I could contact you at I would love to correspond and ask you a few questions. Please let me know!

Best,
Sarah James

FATHER JOE: Me? All I know is what we read in the textbooks? The Holy Father came out with new directives this past week. Priests are not to utilize the consecrated host because of the risk of sacrilege, although sacramentals like holy water and the crucifix are recommended. In any case, no priest can do a formal exorcism without the authorization of his superior. Churches are good places as are hospitals for such things in dire necessity. Priests, even exorcists, are not to be alone with the subject and the popular image of a girl’s bedroom as in THE EXORCIST movie is very much frowned upon. My personal email is frjoe2000@yahoo.com

i was just wondering if i could have some more information on how to get rid of and protect my self from these spirits…they frieghten me but at the same time im so intruiged by them that i cant stop readiong about them…and at nite sometimes i find it hard to fal asleep and get back to sleep after i wake up at wierd times in the night…im always paranoid about “them” being there

FATHER JOE: It is not good to be obsessed by such things. If you get scared sometimes, remember that God loves you and always answers prayers. He is far stronger than either evil spirits or men. I keep faith in Jesus and say my prayers when I am frightened or in a difficult situation. If I have dark thoughts, I seek the distraction of lighter things. Suggested prayers: OUR FATHER, HAIL MARY, HAIL HOLY QUEEN, ACT OF CONTRITION, GLORY BE, GUARDIAN ANGEL PRAYER, PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL, etc.

I seen the film the Excorcist, and it is one film that cemented my faith in God. This is the first time i have ever really read the true story and it is more disturbing than the film. There really is a huge battle between good and evil in this world. I think a person has to pick which side their on.

Thank you for posting this. Ironically, I just watched the movie “The Exorcisim of Emily Rose” and I thought Tom Wilkinson’s portrayal of the exorcist Fr. Moore was just wonderful and very moving.

This is something I have a small amount of familiarity with because when i was first out of school and working in the adolescent ward of a psychiatric hospital we had a patient who we came to believe had been the victim of voodoo. It is not the same thing but I witnessed the utterly wild and unimaginable behaviors that did, indeed, seem demonic. She was transferred to a higher security facility and I never did know what happened to her.

What I wonder about is how the priests who are involved in these rituals fare afterwards. I imagine it is a horrific experience for them and I wonder if their faith is so strong that they are able to recover and go on normally or if an exorcisim permanently effects the exorcist.

Thank you for your wonderful, thought-provoking blog.

Kathleen

FATHER JOE RESPONDS: The late Father Hughes who was involved with the failed exorcism in Georgetown was always haunted by what happened. You inadvertantly bring up another good point: the distinction between demonic involvement and that which is psychological. Every time there is an “exorcism movie” on television, rectory phones are buzzing with calls from mentally disturbed people who think they are possessed.

I’m very interested about this stuff and I aspire to be an exorcist someday. Later, I want to help my aunt who is currently in a mental institute. I believe that she is hyper sensitive and could see spirits. Unfortunately she got interested in astrology and my grandmother invited all sorts of spiritists in our previous house which I think might be the cause of her sickness. I pray for her sometimes and I hope that God would liberate her. Please pray for her also, she is in dire need of prayers. I also ask for your advice concerning my topic. Thank you.

FATHER JOE: I would recommend that you avoid the paranormal and seek to be something other than an exorcist. The bishop might select a priest for this role, but no one should go looking for it. I will join my prayers to yours for your aunt’s healing. God bless!

How do we know that serious psyochological diseases are not also manifestations of an evil spirit? I believe that we lean on psychiatric medicine far too much and on God far too little. If it is not of God, isn’t it Satan?

FATHER JOE RESPONDS: Can disease come hand-in-hand with a spiritual attack? Note that Jesus forgave sins, healed bodies, and exorcised demons. I suppose if it happened before, it could happen again. The Church’s prayers ask for both physical and spiritual healing– as with the (so-called) Last Rites.

I had volunteered at a kids retreat for my church. there was this one girl who’s life had been very hard. on the night the teachers were parying for the children, my friend was praying for her. but a lot of weird things started to happen to her. the pastor said it was just psychological. you can email me anytime

I live in the St. Louis area and there is a local radio show that once a years for Halloween goes to various places around St. Louis that are said to be haunted. This year they are going (already taped and will be played for the audiance on 10/30 and 10/31) to the home in which this boy stayed when not at the Alexian Brothers Hospital in St. Louis. The d.j.’s have talked some about this and say that it is the scariest place that they have been to yet. One d.j. was setting up prior to the show and was talking to another crew memeber in the room next to him, which is wear the boy slept, I believe. The crew member he thought he was talking to then came up the stairs and had not been in the next room like he had thought. Three of the locals that won the contest to go with the crew heard someone trying to get into the room they were in, as well as voices, while they were the only ones in the home. Nobody made it past 6 minutes in the home by themselves. The crew tried to get permission from the Diocese of St. Louis to have a priest bless them, but the Bishop refused. Given what little I know about spirits and the supernatural, don’t you think these guys are playing with fire, or is doing this stuff in good fun around Halloween okay? To me, this can show non-belivers that there is an afterlife, but I have also been warned not to mess around with this? What do you think?

FATHER JOE: They should not do the show. This is not something people should sensationalize or with which they should casually play. We should learn the lesson of faith.

The santanic force seems growing stronger nowdays and there are needs of exorcism all around the world.

Actually, I am a HongKonger and i have a few questions about exorcism and hope that you can help me.

1. What is the language that priests use during exorcism ? For example, does it work to use English for exorcism in China? Can the evil spirits in China understand English and depart from mankind? Or priest must use the language same as the one spoken by people in the region that exorcism is held?

FATHER JOE: Exorcisms are still done in Latin. Devils would probably understand any human language. Only priests authorized by their bishop are permitted to perform exorcisms.

2. Must crosses required in exorcism? As I know , most of the exorcisms in Hong Kong are performed by Protestant Churches. And a lot of the pastors do not use any crosses to perform exorcisms, but they can still drive away the demons in mankind by reading prayers . bible scriptures and singing hymns. Therefore, Fr. Joe, to your experience, will cross really help in exorcism?

FATHER JOE: I have never claimed to have any experience. Exorcisms are often private or even secret. The crucifix is used as a powerful sacramental. What Protestants do is their business, but sensationalism and untrained exorcists can make matters far worse.

3. If crosses are required, what kind of cross is more effective? A cross with the figure of Christ or the one without?

FATHER JOE: A crucifix is used.

4. As some unexpected situations may,must the exorcists follow the procedures in Rite of Exorcism(1999)? Moreover, I have heard that the old version of exorcism is more effective than the new one established in 1999. Is it really true?

FATHER JOE: Yes, the old text seems more effective. It is better at insulting the devil. The new text is too sanitized. The Pope has given exorcists authority to use the older ritual instead.

Sorry for tons of question. But I hope you will help me with these.
Thank you very much!

FATHER JOE: It is best not to dwell too much upon demons. Instead, reflect upon the power of Christ over evil.

Father Joe said: “Yes, the old text seems more effective. It is better at insulting the devil. The new text is too sanitized.”

???

Just out of curiosity, what kind of insults are we talking about?

Another thing I want to know is, how come only people with religious beliefs ever get possessed?

FATHER JOE: The old language is more evocative and crtical of Satan. There are books around that look at the language. Various Church exorcists, epecially in Rome, said the older text and ritual seems to be more effective. As for the victims of possession, many if not most of those afflicted are not baptized and are often involved with the occult. Fallen away believers are sometimes targeted. Religious people might talk about it but many non-religious people touched by the demonic seek out the Church because they do not know where else to go. Before exorcisms, the Church requires extensive medical and psychological evaluations. We try very hard to delinenate a true spiritual malady from mental illness and/or self-deception.

Hitler, Stalin and Pol Pot didn’t have religious beliefs if I recall, and one could make the argument that they may have been possessed. However, I guess a case could be made that having no “moral compass” at all other than being secular fanatics led them to think that they could kill millions who, in their minds, were not worthy.

How do you explain the failed exorcisms: Emily rose, and others, If Jesus is strong enough to cast them away why dont they leave emidiatly? Why does it take weeks? months?! could pope John Paul II have lack of faith since he could not cast away the demon out of a girl once?

In what way could these be tricks of the demon because of bad theology, maybe we should all believe that those who believe in God would never be posessed…and in mocking us christians of little faith…

FATHER JOE: Just as it may take many operations and time to heal from physical ills; similarly, patience and persistence must be practiced toward spiritual ailments. Even our Lord talked about certain demons which can only be driven out by prayer (remember some of the disciples failed). The Emily Rose story is fiction based upon a real story. The stories are not identical. Further, it is not clear that the original case was a true possession. Sometimes we are dealing with mental illness.

Father Joe I want to thank you for getting rid of some of the hype surrounding exorcisms. I stumbled on this site because I was trying to pin down some information supplied to me regarding a case I am dealing with where this one family is convinced that their son is possessed. I have looked at the case and see a psychological aspect at play here as well. I have been involved in more than one “exorcism” where at the end of the day, prayer, positive affirmation, and counseling turned out to have excellent results. Don’t get me wrong I have experienced things that cannot be explained by science, and I am not blind to Satan’s influence on people. However a persons faith is the best defence through any situation like this.

Father Joe, I believe that exorcisms are real but i want to know something from you and only u can answer it.

What do you think about Indian Saints like “Param Pujya Asaram Bapu”?

I know that i shouldn’t have asked this as it makes no sense to ask it here but as i am a disciple of my teacher “Param Pujya Asaram Bapu” i have heard and read many excerpts that many people possed by demons leave with the repetitive pronounciation of “OM NAMAH BHAGWATEY VASUDEVAYAH” repetitevely.

I am sorry too if you think it is useless to ask this question.
Just forgive me and do answer this question to me as I want to know ur views…..
Thanking You……
Your’s Sincerly……

FATHER JOE: Sorry, but I know little about Hinduism and how they treat the matter of demons.

Obviously, the desecration of the Blessed Sacrament is an evil thing to partake in…etc etc however, it seems that God is so above us all that it is for our own good we do not desecrate Him in the Host as opposed to “harm” coming to Him, Almighty God. True?

With that said, in the case of an exorcism, wouldn’t the need of the possessed of the Holy Presence of Jesus trump any “fears of irreverence”? God wouldn’t actually be harmed in any manner even if the possessed desecrated Him in the Host in the most sickening ways. God can’t be touched or affected by us or Satan.

It appears to me that Satan is relieved to know that Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament won’t be allowed to be present at the exorcisms in this “enlightened”era. Whereas, it appeared that in the past, at least, Jesus was invited to every exorcism in Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Blessed Sacrament.

I know it might seem crazy, but the ability to see/sense spirits (both positive and negative) seems to run on my mother’s side of the family. I have two sisters and all three of us have been cursed (in my opinion) with this “gift.”

One of my sisters, the one with the strongest ability, came upon a motorcycle accident on the side of a freeway. She held the man in her arms until he passed because she didn’t want him to die alone. After that he would periodically visit her while she was driving and alert her that someone else was in trouble and lead her to the scene of a crash before the police or ambulance could even get there. She was training to be a police officer so she was able to call for help and administer first aide. She welcomed his visits because he was a benevolent spirit and she wanted to help those in need as much as he did. One day she told this to a friend and the friend offered to say a special prayer for her to keep the spirit away. She begged her friend not to but she did anyway and the spirit has not visited her since. Should she use her ability to help others or try to shun it?

My other sister was visited by a random male spirit that would come into her room at night and sit on her bed and she felt comforted by his presence. Her priest warned her never to talk to the spirit but to pray for him to cross over to Heaven. She did and eventually he stopped visiting her. Should she not communicate with the spirit, even if it’s a good one? I am aware that demons can lie but she could feel this was not a demon, but a lost soul. Should she have asked him what was keeping him from crossing over?

People seem to think that particular places are haunted, but they forget that people can be conduits, weather they want to be or not. My mom confided that she and my sisters could feel an evil presence in the front yard of their home. Perhaps it couldn’t enter the house because of the St. Benedict medals above the doors, I don’t know. But they knew it was there while my father remained blissfully ignorant.

I have repressed this “gift” as much as possible. I want nothing to do with the supernatural. I don’t even want to see beloved deceased family members. I’m terrified of spirits, even good ones. Any advice on keeping myself safe from their presence? My grandmother was very spiritual when she was alive and studdied the Catholic faith with the zeal of a nun. She always told us not to touch a oiji board (and I have always complied) and if we fear a spirit to say “All evil leave this place, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” Is that enough? Is there something else I can do to ward them away?

I was mildly content with that prayer until my husband revealed a terrible haunting that occurred while he was in college. He doesn’t like to talk about it because it was very traumatic. He also knows that this stuff upsets me so he doesn’t say much. But he had me terrified when he told me that the crucifix and holy water and Catholic prayers don’t work on all spirits. He told me that they work on ones that have Judeo-Christian beliefs. But he says that there are a lot of other spirits that won’t be stopped by such means, spirits such as angry Native Americans, ancient Mayans and Aztecs, etc. Now I’m terrified. How can I protect myself, knowing that my family and I are natural conduits?

Blessings,
Kate

FATHER JOE: Your grandmother was right; stay away from the occult and do not seek communication with the dead or ghosts. Your husband, is only right to a point. There are some entities which resist blessings and prayers. Sometimes the Church intervenes through her priests to deal with such spiritual infestations. However, we are really talking about the demonic. Catholic faith, prayers and ritual is effective because they reflect the truth. It may not always be a quick fix. If I bless a home and the people are ungodly, then by their many sins they can invite the devil back into their homes. Pagan or non-Christian rituals suffer because they are prone to superstition and the occult. The dead are all aware of the truth that is expounded by the Catholic Church. There is not one spiritual reality for Catholics and others for Buddhists, Hindus, ancient Indian religions, etc. You must remember that demons are the ultimate liars. They can pretend to be the dead. Indeed, they might even feign friendliness. But, it is ultimately part of a plan for seduction and corruption.

Father Joe I kind of stumbled upon this web site…so..since I’m here maybe I can tell you a story that is 27 years old.

When I was growing up their was lot’s of tension and martial problems in our home.

One day my mother went for a walk with me and cried while she laid her burdens upon my 12 year old ears.

We were not a church going family but I had a little bit of experience with prayers that I kept to myself.

My mother told me that she had always wished that her and my father could have a loving relationship and a happy family.

I told her that wishing was good for Walt Disney but useless for improving the HUGE heap of family problems we had.

I told her to call on god and pray from her heart and soul and things could get better.

Sooo anyway about 2 days later I’m in the washroom and I decide to pray for my mother that still seemed troubled.

SUDDENLY ?? my mouth began to say these words that were in another language that was unknown to me.Unfortunately I cannot find words to describe the feeling of your body being taken over in such a strong confident manner.

I found out years latter that I was speaking Latin but that seemed inposible because I couldn’t even learn French in school and ended up failing :0)

Anyway that day my mother comes home from a village of Lively, Ontario and says “YOU WERE PRAYING FOR ME TODAY WERE’N’T YOU”?

“Yes” I answered “but how do you know that” ?

She said that she went for a walk of 2 miles while upset and ran into a cousin that invited her for a coffee at a shop.THis cousin was very religious and said Marge your son is praying today so why don’t you open your heart to Jesus.

So my question is ? How often do people pray and start speaking Latin ? AND ..What were the few words that I said ?

She walks with god and went for counselling that I further reconmended after that.

She is 75 and when my father was dying in 2003 at Western hospital in Toronto she helped sick people that were frightened or in pain.For that 14 months these sick people said she had the presence of an angel and they became calm and joyful.

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. I have a new family, it is my first marriage and my wives second. I have a 7 year old step son, who I have heard talking about the outsiders (a TV show about Ghost hunting) He lives with his dad for a week and with us for a week. I will not allow him to watch such shows at my house, but I worry about his influence elsewhere. I’m ultra conservative when it comes to him and what he is influenced by. Do you think I’m being too cautious? My wife thinks I’m being to “over the top”.

FATHER JOE: Sorry, I am not familiar with the show. Some such programs merely use pseudo-science and others dabble in the occult. There are probably better things for children to watch. Many families I know place little trust in television programs these days. Rather than throwing the TV out, they build up DVD libraries of family programs they feel they can trust. Given that there are custody and visitation issues, just do the best you can. Stay calm and (with your wife) continue to be a good formational influence on the child. There will be differences of opinion and we cannot protect our children from everything, no matter how hard we try. Try to keep peace between all parties.

Dear Fr. Joe,
I am a catholic, and very recently I had a dream where I was able to exhort a possessed person. I was so disturbed that I prayed and was led to do a little research about exorcism. I hit upon your website too. I firmly believe in JESUS CHRIST and want everyone to know that HE is LORD. satan is constantly attempting to trouble GOD by posessing mankind (made in the likeness of GOD) and thus proving to all that he will never be successful in the end. GLORY BE TO GOD!
Pray for my family, Fr. Joe, that we will never be troubled by the evil one. I pray for all of those who are troubled and all those who need prayers.
Thank you Fr. Joe, for this blog which proves that JESUS IS LORD and mankind MUST have FAITH IN JESUS.
God bless.

father joe,
me and my friend are very interested in this kind of stuff talking to spirts and watching ghost things on tv. we wanted to know how could you become a medium. both our parents dont believe in this kind of stuff but we are big time believers and really need opioions. also we heard its not good to use a qujia board. but my uncles gf uses dividing rodes are they good or no. please help us with a questions. thanks

FATHER JOE: First, let me make it clear that as a Catholic I oppose seeking two-way dialogue with ghosts or spirits. Such practices that use a medium and seances are condemned by the Church. Not only is there the danger of superstition and false worship; but also, one becomes open to a spiritual attack. Second, the use of a ouiga board is condemned for similar reasons, it is a tool of the occult. My advice is to give up such a preoccupation and focus upon relationships with the living. Television programs sensationalize such matters for the sake of viewers. While paranormal scientific investigation may have some merit; it is quite different from the practices of modern “pagans” and others who dabble in witchcraft. Even those programs that purport to use the scientific method and modern technology often make unsubstantiated claims, both about phenomena and their gadgets. There is a popular program with two Catholic ghost hunters on television; it might be entertaining to watch, but note that it is produced for a station that places the gravity for its content on science fiction and fantasy.

Father Joe,
I have always been interested in spiritual happenings and cases of possessions, but scared of it as well.

It all started when i visited a church of a different donimination than my own.

A woman started swearing vile profanity and cutting her arms in the shape of upside down crosses. Everyone of “weak or no faith” was asked to leave the room.

It was the closest I have come to a real life encounter so i started researching possessions. This led me to having weird feelings, ever since that night I feel watched and sometimes scared to the point of not being able to move.

My mother has also experienced this, she came out of surgery and the next day was overcome by a strong fear she was home alone and said aloud ” I rebuke you Satan in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord ” and from the far end of the house she heard loud and clear with me on the phone to hear it as well ” I rebuke you too” do you think I need to get help??? I am worried that I might have had weak faith and since I didn’t leave the room as asked I have damned myself to have demons in my life…

thanks

Brittney 19

FATHER JOE: First, if such things have scared you so badly that you could not move then you should avoid any preoccupation with them. Second, never underestimate our potential for self-deception, even in terms of seeing, hearing and feeling strange things. Third, God wants us to know peace in Jesus Christ. Sanctify your home with symbols of faith, with virtuous actions and speech, and with study of God’s Word and prayer. If Jesus lives in your home and abides with you, you have nothing to fear.

Father Joe,
Just a few months ago my grandfather passed away, may he rest in peace, and his house was being sold and everything had to be taken out. I stumble upon a book hidden in the attic, called “The Key of Solomon” it had wierd symbols, and some phrase the I presumed to be Latin, or some other dead language. Me and my friends were reading, almost like a game, and now I feel like something is following or watching me. I also keep having strange dreams with deformed figures, and these horrible looking dogs who just keep growling. Could these be related to the book?
Sincerly, Atton 17

FATHER JOE: Is it a cheap reprint or a historical book? Museums often seek out medieval editions of such grimoires or books of magic. While it calls upon God, I would regard it as a superstitious business which Christians should avoid. It could be a dangerous book, since any dabbling in the occult is unwise. The Key of Solomon is divided into two books, the first with typical magic and conjuring (the dead and demons); the second offers so-called spells for protection. It is rather pagan in my estimation, but the rationale for animal sacrifices is that such things were practiced by the Jews. This work fed the stereotyping of Jews as sorcerers. It was placed on the INDEX OF FORBIDDEN BOOKS, banned and burned in Europe by order of Pope Innocent VI (1350) and again by the Church in 1559 for being dangerous.

Father Joe, Greetings, I live in Ellicott City, Maryland and am a former environmental science professor. For the past 3 1/2 years, I’ve been in the worst kind of torment and have come to believe that I’m under some kind of demonic oppression. Do you know of anyone in the Maryland area that may be able to help? Thank you.

FATHER JOE: I would simply suggest that you contact the closest Catholic parish and see if a priest might pray over you and your home. You are in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, just across the line from me.

Dear Father Joe, a few years ago, I worked as a Fire Fighter on a military airforce base. When I started working their, my collegues said distubingly, ‘watch out for the man while you sleep and don’t struggle’. weeks went by and I soon forgot about the warning, and as I lay trying to go to sleep, I felt a spititual presence. I suddenly felt something holding me down. The more I stuggled to get away, the harder it held me. I remembered my work mates words not to struggle, and the spirit went away. It happened dozens of times over the years, as well as other things to me and my workmates such as fire trucks starting up on their own, radio stations tuning from one to another and finger marks around fellow work mates knecks appeared in front of our eyes as if an invisible person was trying to strangle them. There was also sightings a ghostly person. Over the years we became accustomed to these happenings. After I left the sevice I always wonder if the spirit was demonic. Should there be something done about it as I heard it still happens? Thank you father.

Dear Rev Fr. Joe,
Hello from Mumbai – India.
Your article and your comments were interesting and also served as an eye opener to many issues.
I am in agreement that one should be circumpsect in handling such paranormal issues.
Keep up the good work Rev Fr. Joe.

I was born in Mount Rainier in 1958 and lived there until 1968. I think I can add some interesting facts that maybe Father Joe can confirmed as well as incorporate:

1) The boy attended Gonzaga Catholic HS in DC after he was saved. What is fascinating is that he graduated in [deleted]. To this day, Gonzaga does not keep a copy of the [deleted] year book because there was only one boy from Cottage City who graduated that year and it would reveal the boys name.

2) I say Cottage City because the DC Archdiocese used the vacant home at 3210 Bunker Hill Road as a diversion to protect the boy and family’s identity.

3) The house at 3210 Bunker Hill Road had been vacant since about 1946, when the rumors persisted in 1949 and 1950 that the boy had lived there, both corner homes, one at Bunker Hill Rd and the other on 33rd Street became vacant until the 1990’s. As a small child in Mount Rainier, I had heard about the case and always feared that house when walking by it.

4) The author that confirmed the Cottage City residence [deleted] as the actual address for the boy did get something wrong that has to be corrected. He claims that the home at 3210 Bunker Hill Road was burnt to the ground in 1962 by the Mount Rainier Fire Dept. This is so wrong, because that house stood until 1967 until the Fire Dept burned it down as part of training exercise.

5) One item that is rarely mentioned involves the old DC Infirmary. In 1949 there was a Swine Flu epidemic and many young children between the ages of 10-18 were placed in the infirmary for evaluation. My friend’s father who was 12 years old at the time tells a chilling story about the possessed boy: He says one evening he along with about a dozen other boys his age was in a room in the infirmary when a boy about their age was escorted in with two doctors. All of a sudden, my friends Father states that he became scared to death by looking into the eyes of the boy. In fact, he swears two things to this day, one that the eyes of the boy were the most frightening thing he ever saw and two and most important, a few of the boys dropped to their knees and began saying the Lord’s Prayer and Hail Mary. After about two minutes, the doctors removed the boy from the room, and my friend’s Father says that they all felt relieved that the boy was not staying over night in the same room with them. It was not until a number of years later that they all learned that the boy was the Cottage City boy waiting to be moved down to St Louis, MO for exorcism.

why did the boy get possesed by a demand, Why can’t it leave the child alone, and when the boy saw the demands at the mouth of cave were inside his mind, where were he?

FATHER JOE: The question of evil is complicated. However, the exorcism in question showed the power of Christ and the efficacy of the Church’s intervention. As to whether the problem was spiritual or mental, you will have to make your own assessment. In either case, the young man was healed.

To answer to Mick and Father Joe, I grew up in Mt Rainier but never knew the true storey until just recently. My sister and I grew up with the mayor of Mt. Rainier, Mrs. Nalls, children, Gloria and Calvin. It was my understanding the house was burned down in the 70’s or 80’s as she was not the Mayor until then. It was burned as a training exercise. Now here is the kicker…My friend and I went to this address in 2000 and it was part of the park system. He was quite skeptical until I showd him where there 3 concrete steps leading from the side walk. They were burried partially in the dirt but I dug around and found part of a fence attached to a TREE.

What is the real story? Father I have read “The Posessed” and they really dance around the whole issue with Father Hughs and the original priest from St. James. The Catholic church sure likes to hide details on these touchy subjects. Do they really feel that these old beliefs are even in existent today? I think Im going to need a little more proof then just a few concrete steps. Maybe a visit by the Holy Ghost..oops Holy Spirit will do. I think that exorcism has gone by the wayside along with no meat on Friday, Saturday confessions, and Pagan Babies. I have given up my milk money and my belief in the Devil. There is God and he lets us choose between what we believe is right and wrong.

FATHER JOE: Details were kept quiet so that the family and young man could have a normal life. The discipline for abstinence is still misunderstood. It was not utterly abrogated. Rather, we were given the option of substituting another form of mortification and penance. That means you could have a meatless Tuesday or make some other sacrifice. Most exorcisms are private matters with families. Saturday confessions is still encouraged but numbers are not what they should be. As for the pagan babies, we still collect money for the missions and pray for the conversion of others. When it comes to the devil, I think given the evil found in our world and even among sinners in the Church, belief in the existence of the demonic should not be all that difficult. Of course, our hope and trust is in the Lord.

In response to John, I assure you the house at [Deleted] Road was finally removed in April 1967 after the Mount Rainier, Fire Department burned it to the ground and removed all debris. So the home was not there in the 1970’s. Also, I just learned a chilling detail about the case from good source who has worked in the DC Archdiocese for over 30 years. This actually makes sense and it explains why many residents in 1949 vaguely remember someone living in the home at [Deleted] Road in the Spring of 1949 as well as confirms what Father Hughes told Father Boper back in 1981. Yes, the boy did live in Cottage City. When the Archdiocese was convinced that the boy was demonically possessed, they wanted to perform the exorcism away from the boy’s Cottage City home. Through whatever influence the Archdiocese had, they were aware of a the vacant home at [Deleted] Road and were able to land temporary rental of that property. So this means that people who claim nobody had lived there since about 1947 and people who claim they remember someone living there in early 1949 were both correct. The boy was of course moved to St Louis when it was clear that the the exorcism would be long and grueling and would go beyond the 1-2 months the Archdiocese had rented the property and they also knew they needed a more experienced priest o conduct it who was of course in St Louis.

F.JOE,i am from bangladesh and my religion is islam.i believe in ALLAH and after reading the story i believe that the satan was driven back to the place where it belongs.but i have some questions.
#1.are we safe from the evil?
#2.in islam the origins of devil is described.my question is what are the signs of a satan when it is near to us?i mean how i will understand that the evil is here?is there any influences on the environment?
I need your advice.plz ans….
KHUDA HAFEZ.
Jhalak.

FATHER JOE: Catholicism views the devil as a fallen angel. His presence and activity is always associated with temptation and sin. He is the father of lies or deception. He delights in blasphemy and immorality. As the great manipulator, I suspect that today he is very much involved with sins against innocent human life. Where you find these things, I suspect he is not far away. We must all stay close to the one true God and walk in his ways. The best way to eradicate the demonic is to fill any void with the presence of God. We belong to God. We renounce Satan and all his works.

I have had experience of possession. Some 4 years ago, I peed by the side of a very old abondoned boat. It was very dark there. Nothing happened at that time but the same night I woke up at some time between 3 to 4 am. I saw an old woman who came to my bed and started choking me. I could not shout, or say a single word, or even move my finger. I am a muslim by faith. I tried to recall some passages from the Koran but I felt like I had forgotten everything. Eventually, I was able to recall some Koranic verses and I started to feel much better. I kept on repeating them and the old woman releases my neck and went away. I was then able to speak and move my body.

It began to happen every thursday night. My family consulted two different religious parties and they both came to the conclusion that I was possessed. They advised me to keep myself clean from all sins, pray alot and read some verses from the Koran several times a week. By the grace of God, the possession was over and now I am spending a normal happy life.

However, I still think about it sometimes and I just want to know what was that thing that used to come with me. One individual who treated me told me that it was some creature who was appearing in the form of a human being. He didnt give me any further details like he did not want to reveal anything further. I am just curious and want to know your opinion on my case from catholic point of view.

Thank you,
JS

FATHER JOE: What you describe would probably not be described in Catholicism as possession. I am not really sure what to make of it. Could someone have broken into your house? Was there any history of hallucination? Certainly the demonic can seek to frighten and corrupt us. Saying prayers and calling upon God is certainly the proper posture in such situations.

No, father, none in my family including myself ever had any hallucination history. I had never experienced hallucination before these events. I did not receive any medical treatment. I was treated spritually and after the treatment, I never experienced any hallucination. Answering your other questions- none broke into my house. All the doors and windows were locked all the time. The old very ugly woman used to appear from nowhere and it seemed like she was not walking but floating in air. I am just curious to know the true identity of that thing.

JS – many people have had an experience very similar to yours. You should look up the medical phenomenon called “sleep paralysis.” In my opinion, you did the right thing and should feel confident that you can handle this if it ever happens again!

I live in maryland, and i want to do an exorcism, but unfortunately i dont know where i should go or who i should talk to. i came to this country a couple of years ago, and i never went to an ORTHDOX church. all the churches around me are CATHOILC churches so i got scared of going there and asking for an exorcism. i dont even know if i can do it with a catholic priest. The only thing i know is, i am being attacked by negative supernatural forces. i am starting to notice all the signs on me. so if you could help me, and get a way to get me an exorcism you will be saving a life.

FATHER JOE: Exorcisms must be approved by the local bishop. Contact the chancery for an investigation. Only clergy approved for the ritual are allowed to perform them.

Hay Father Joe, im a charismatic christian but the catholic religion has interested me for a very long time, but ive asked my church paster about cathlicasm and they say that the Mary that you pray to and all the saints are infact deitys , i would just like to know, why do you pray to saints and Mary, why not only directly to Christ ? And also why do you pray the rosary ? In my seeing(no disrespect to the catholic church) you put Mary and the saints above Christ ? Isnt Christ the only one you should go to for help ? Why do you ask saints for help ? Thax alot God bless

FATHER JOE: Look at the universal catechism for yourself. You will see that we view Mary and the saints as children of creation. They are not deities. We ask them to pray for and with us as members of God’s family. We believe Mary still has a special role as the woman of faith and Christ’s first disciple. We believe that when Jesus entrusted Mary to John at the cross, the Mother of the Redeemer became the Mother of all the Redeemed. Jesus loved his mother. We imitate Jesus in loving her, too. The mysteries of the rosary help us to keep in mind the important elements of faith and salvation history. All prayer, the rosary included, has as its object, almighty God. Jesus is the one Mediator and Redeemer. He is the way and the truth and the life.

Dear Father Joe,
I am Catholic and I have to do a research paper for my English class. I chose to do the topic of Exorcisms. Thank you for putting this story online. It gave me a lot to think about. I was just wondering, to the best of your knowledge, what is the best way to keep evil spirits out of you and prevent having something like an exorcism happen? Thank you.
God Bless

FATHER JOE: The best way is to avoid the occult and to remain in God’s good graces. The gravity for the Christian is Jesus, not an obsession with the demonic.

Hi Father Joe, thank you for posting this. I am a Catholic and am very interested in the topic of exorcism. I’ve just seen the film “The Rite” and began to research deeper into this area.

I’d like to share some material with others who might be interested to learn more about this:

Those interested to lean more about evil and demonic possession can watch a real video on an exorcism here: http://bit.ly/cwG3fP . Listen also to prominent theologian and exorcist Fr. Malachi Martin on The Nature Of Evil, Exorcism & Possession http://bit.ly/bZqbrb .Additionally you can also watch this documentary http://alturl.com/ctzmm showing a real exorcism in the Philippines.

Fr. Gabriele Amorth, Rome’s chief exorcist’s book is also worth a read. This milestone book is a great resource on demonology and diabolic possession. Read here http://alturl.com/hj58k about how one can get possessed and how to protect yourself and your family against witchcraft, spells, demonic influences etc.

FATHER JOE: Avoid obsession with this topic, that is also a ploy of the evil one.

IN any cases have the victims of exorcism been able to speak with the demon that is possessing them directly? i would like to have a conversation with one, let them weigh in on this religious situation

FATHER JOE: You do not know what you are saying. There is no symbiosis with demons. The devils are the ultimate parasite. The devils are all about manipulation, abuse and deceit. They have no respect for their puppets and already know way too much about us. They have no interest in helping you, only in corruption and damnation. It is forbidden to seek such communication. Indeed, any dabbling in the occult is mortal sin.

I am currently going through RCIA and am really enjoying learning about the Church. It’s been a couple of months ago now, but we did touch upon the subject of exorcism and if I am remembering correctly, the evil spirits have to be invited in in some way. Our Deacon said by following the ways of the Church and attending Mass we really have nothing to fear as far as possession goes.

FATHER JOE: Our Lord tells us not to be afraid. Certainly being a good Catholic lends much spiritual protection. However, just as with the wrongs inflicted by evil men, I could not say that we are absolutely safe. Further, possession is an extreme; I suspect many more people suffer under demonic oppression or subtle manipulation or influence. Much has been said about how those who favor abortion are likely under such spiritual bondage. That is why many are returning to the Prayer of St. Michael and reciting deliverance prayer.

JUST A THOUGHT….ITS SO UNFORTUNATE THAT PEOPLE EXPECT PRIEST, PREACHERS N ETC OF ANY RELIGION 2 B PERFECT ESPECIALLY CATHOLIC PRIEST. THEY ARE TEMPTED AS MUCH AS ANY1 ELSE. THEY ARE AS HUMAN AS YOU N I. THEY FAIL THEY TRIUMPH. SOME OF THE SAINTS WERE BIG SINNERS B4 CHANGING THERE LIFES AROUND. WE CANT B FOLLOWING PRIESTS EXAMPLES. WE NEED 2 FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF WHO THEY FOLLOW….GOD, THE HOLLY TRINITY. ONE IN ALL ALL IN ONE.
I DONT THINK THERE WAS ANY FAILURE IN THE EXORCISM. I BELIEVE GOD HAD ANOTHER PLAN. HE “ALLOWED” WHAT EVER IT MAY B FOR A ,LATER, BIGGER TRIUMPH. MAYBE 2 STRENGHTEN FAITH IN N WITH MORE PRAYER AND TEST OF IT.
FOR THOSE WHO DONT BELIEVE IN GOD THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ATLEAST THE GOOD THINGS FOUND IN THE GREAT “B” BOOK. BUT I DO ASK U…. HOW MANNY CELLS N ATOMS DO U THINK ATTENDED THE MEETING WHERE LIFE WAS BEING DESIGNED? WONDER WHO DESIGNED THE FIRST ATOM OR NUC…. OR CELL . ISNT TOO MUCH OF A CHANCE THAT EARTH IS AT THE PERFECT DISTANCE FROM THE SUN SO THAT WE HAVE LIFE, NOT ONE INCH TOO FAR NOT ONE INCH TOO NEAR. SORRY!! I GOT OF THE SUBJECT

How do you Know if there is for sure a demon in your house. And im also doing a report on this subject so all of this stuff that you put up is what actually happen.

FATHER JOE: Supernatural events would be a dead giveaway. Rather than stressing the demonic, I would urge people to be mindful of their own shortcomings and to embrace God’s grace to change them and their lives. The question really should be, how do we make our homes into places of blessing and God’s presence? If holy people live in a home, that holiness will pervade the place. Lives of repentance, faith and charity is the way to God. Decorate the home with religious art and statuary. Many homes have a prayer corner or a Marian shrine. It is also a tradition to have a priest bless homes and to consecrate them to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

I grew up in Colmar Manor. The town across from Cottage City. know the exact house. It did not happen in Mt Rainier as this article states. I was also a member of St James Parish. The story is pretty darn close to all I’ve heard. This kid was not faking this situation. I leave it there……

Thank you for your website. I am a former muslim, who came to Catholicism via Evangelical student ministries on campus. Currently I am hoping to become a medical missionary to a muslim country. Having completed my Master’s in Theology and now beginning internship in medicine I would like your prayers and advice on integrating faith into a secular vocation. My interest is in Psychiatry, which I believe is also a field ripe for deliverance ministry. Lord bless and peace in Christ our redeemer.

FATHER JOE: Remain a man of faith and prayer, as well as being a professional man of science who cares about others. Have you read Dr. Scott Peck’s books? http://www.mscottpeck.com/

3. How common is demonic possession? On the one hand it sounds like it’s extremely rare, but on the other, there’s the sense that Satan and his minions are always at work trying to proliferate their work.

4. I assume possessions are rare because demons and their master like to work on the sly – it’s more effective that way. Wouldn’t they mean that in actuality demonic influence is likely very very prevalent and that demonic possession only happens when a demon screws up?

Thanks!

Blessings,
BJG

FATHER JOE:

Demons are fallen angels. Angels are pure spirits. They have no bodies or material substance.

Angels, good and bad, as spiritual entities, live outside of time. They define themselves, their substantial form, by an immutable act of will. They cannot change their minds. Good angels are counted among the saints. Bad angels or demons are damned. They are literally “hell spirits.” We pray neither for good angels nor for bad. The damned will remain so for all eternity. Our prayers cannot help them. Good angels are already with God and do not need our prayers. We can pray “to” (but not “for”) the good angels and saints for intercession and solidarity in prayer.

Demonic possession is not as common as the movies make out and not as rare as certain skeptics would argue. Given that many are done secretly, figures are not to be trusted. Much more common is spiritual oppression and the curse.

The devil is more successful if people are largely unaware of his presence. He is like a roach. He runs from the light but comes out at night from the cracks and shadows of people’s lives. If he became too obvious, many might run back to faith and the Lord. He can also hide behind the works of human iniquity, particularly in the world scene and/or where there is purported mental illness.

Hello, I was wondering why only priests do exorcisms? Why can’t an energy healer do it as well or at least help in that situation?

Jesus was a mortal man and he healed the sick with God’s power within him (which we all have since we are all children of God). I am an energy healer. I help others heal themselves with divine energy from God within me. I help people with their bad hearing , eye site, stress, negative energy, and help clean their homes with the Lord’s prayer and always ask Archangel Michael and Raphael to help and guide me… and I listen to them every time.

Ana

FATHER JOE:

We do not have energy healers, as such, in the Catholic Church. I have never heard of them. Turning to Jesus, he was a divine Person made incarnate. God comes down from heaven to save us in Jesus Christ. The priest has been given the authority by Christ (passed down from the apostles) to forgive sins and to celebrate the Eucharist. Everything he does is through the power of Christ and as one who is a shepherd of the Church established by Christ. This is why the Catholic Church reserves the ministry of exorcism to certain priests who have demonstrated personal holiness. While the intercession of the saints and angels is important, the modern tendency to displace our Lord with “angel power” is a symptom of New Age religion. The latter is dangerous for many reasons, but particularly because there is a dabbling in the occult. The spiritual agency involved might masquerade as holy and yet have a demonic source. I would urge you to be very cautious lest you suffer spiritual invasion and/or delusion. If you are Catholic, you should desist and see a Catholic priest for the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Thank you for posting this story and hosting comments. I am a 37 year old Catholic woman with long-term sobriety and now, celibacy who has struggled with Spiritual Interruption and possession for 25 years. I have been through 5 exorcisms by five different sources, the last being Jesuit Priests about three months ago. The Jesuits along with two close family members were witness to an experience very similar to the ones described in your posting. I had to be held down, spoke in a different language, spewed obscenities…. It was horrible and not the first time I have experienced the attacks. The Jesuit explained that my soul was not possessed but that I was under constant spiritual attack.
Angel Intelligence and pests were the terms he used.

I work with people in a healing capacity in the fitness and bodywork industry. I have little to no ability to control the absorption of my clients’ negative energies. My work often leaves me in altered states, exhausted and incapacitated. My clients leave after working with me feeling rejuvenated and addicted to me and my work with them. I have tried leaving my field of work and am forcefully drawn back into it. Any other work or relationship I have pursued has been clearly sabotaged by external forces. I wonder everyday if it is God’s will for me to be a healer and dedicate my life to making others feel better at my own expense, or if I have become a vessel of the Devil and his attraction. I am aware of the times I am hosting an entity and have developed a very strong mind and set of tools to recognize it and work through it/clear it. The length of time I have been struggling with this and the circumstances it has created in my life are going far beyond my scope of coping though. This has brought me to my knees. I feel helpless and beyond exhausted. Being this way is killing me. I do not have anymore solutions and am losing the fight. Any suggestion is welcome.

FATHER JOE ARE U SURE WE CANT PRAY FOR EVIL TO CONVERT? IT JUST DOESNT MAKE SENSE THAT IT DO NO GOOD. IF GOD IS ALL N CAN DO IT ALL N IS OF HOPE. THEM HOPING FOR EVIL TO CONVERT SHOULD BE OK.

CAN U TOUCH THE SUBJECT ON THE MOVIE ” THE RITE”? HOW MUCH OF IT IS TRUE? SINCE IT IS BASED ON A TRUE STORY. WHAT IS THE REASON AN EXORCIST,PRIEST, WOULD BE POSSESSED? LOST FAITH? OR MAYB THE DEVILS WAY OF SAYING ANY1 CAN BE POSSESSED GIVEN THE PROPER SITUATION, OPENED DOOR??/

FATHER JOE: We can pray for the conversion of sinners in this world. However, at the time of death our fate is sealed. As for the fallen angels, they have made their decision and their wills cannot be turned. We do not pray for demons, rather we pray to be protected from them and that they might be cast into hell. This is for our benefit. God respects our freedom and will not force either human beings or angelic creatures to love him. I have not seen the movie you mention and so I cannot comment upon it.

Thank you father Joe for getting back to me. So in other words on the energy healing the “catholic” priest think what i have been doing for years is not work from God within?… I’m trying to understand, because i have only helped people and never wanted anything in return. Simply helping others or i should say service to others is my reward.

FATHER JOE: You may mean well, but I think what you are doing is very dangerous. I would counsel against it.

When God allows the saints the Saints, before they die, to be “oppressed” , is it because they are doing something wrong? Like while the oppression is taking place, should they have not have been doing what it was they were doing when it came about. Does it indicate a change of course or action and this is as a means as a “sign” from God to change?

FATHER JOE: I am not familiar with the notion of saints suffering demonic oppression. They can undergo attack (even physical) but they have the armor of God’s grace to repel such assaults. Father Vianney would be a case in point.

I have been researching this topic and similar stories and prayers because I believe my girlfriend is either possessed or under demonic oppression (not sure which). I didn’t notice anything until about 2 or 3 weeks ago when she all of a sudden got really quiet and began cutting herself. After she asked what I’d do if she cut herself, she just passed out. Like totally unconscious and barely breathing. This would last for about an hour, then she would come back as if someone had shocked her with a defibrillator with no recollection of what transpired prior. I’ve noticed (up to now) that this would happen between Sunday evening though early Tuesday morning consistently. Sunday, she would have strange dreams and notice a supernatural presence in her room; Monday is when things would get physical: touching, movement of objects, actually SEEING things or people that weren’t really there or are unexplained and having them make physical contact with her. Then she’d collapse and her body would be lifeless for over an hour between 1:56 AM – 2:56 or later. I witnessed just last week while I was video chatting with her late Sunday night, early Monday morning, her being touched and communicating with a spirit then after communication stopped, her Teddy bear that she had on the bed started moving. It would stop every time she looked back at it, then start moving again when she looked away. After she tossed it on the floor in front of her, it somehow flew up and hit her in the face like someone picked it up and threw it at her. Mind you, she was the only one up and awake at that time. And just a few hours ago the possession happened again. Prior to her passing out, she told me that she had made a deal with a man in her dream that she would kill herself on her birthday because he said he would kill her family if she didn’t. After she collapsed I continued to pray over her and even tried reciting an exorcism prayer in Latin (of course the demon laughed at my expense). That prayer was pretty much my last ditch effort.

I need your help Father Joe. What do I do? Or what CAN I do when I’m the only one that witnesses these things happening and have a clear recollection that these events actually happened? How can I prove what’s happening to her? How can I expel this demon? Or who can I call to expel or exorcise it?

FATHER JOE: If you believe there is an issue then you should contact your local Catholic priest and he can notify the diocese. However, be mindful that the Church moves slowly and a complete mental evaluation by trained professionals will be required. Indeed, particularly if supernatural elements are in doubt, I would urge psychiatric help at once. Seizures and cutting are familiar symptoms of mental illness. If there is the slightest chance of suicide, have her placed under observation by medical personnel immediately. Do not delay.

Dear men of Jesus,
I am a 23 year old female, and i think i am possesed by something.I think perverse thoughts that i can;t get to stop i am constintly depressed i think about excorsism but am scared they won’t think i need one i dream about evil things and evil people coming after me and rebuke them they leave.when i look in the mirror i see something in my eyes that isn’t me and it scares me so bad i get way from the mirror.please tell me does it sound like im possesed because i’ve thought i am for 2 years.

FATHER JOE:

Dear Shayanne, Many people struggle with bad thoughts. This does not mean they are possessed. Depression is also a common malady that can be treated with counseling and medication. It does not mean that a person needs exorcism. As for nightmares, we all have them. The fear that others are out to get us is a type of phobia not dissimilar from a type of persecution complex. Of course, sometimes people are out to get us… like the terrorists after 9-11. It is easy to imagine images in the mirror or movement toward the sides of our vision. I cannot say that this sounds at all like possession. Have you ever seen a psychologist? Is there any history of bi-polar disease?

father joe,
i am not catholic ,and frankly i am southern baptist.I really needed some insight on something my church doesn’t deal with.I’ve asked you to times for advice and you have deleted my questions.True christians do not turn away someone in need an any question i ask my church they return and do not delete so you must have not felt like dignifying my question with answers or just plainly thought my question had already been answered from the input above,but never the less i know were my faith lies and thats with god so whether your catholic or southern baptist you should still answer a question when your a priest to someone in need and not turn your back on people wanting to know.

FATHER JOE: As far as I can recall, I have never deleted your questions. It is possible that the Spam filter misjudged the message and placed it in the wrong folder. What are you asking?

My spirit came out of my body over 20 years ago and I saw what I believe to be a demon. It spoke to me by thought, not language and felt fear because of it. It asked to join me and I said “no”, this made it angry and I started saying the Lord’s Prayer and my spirit came back into my body. I could not see the demon when I was back in my body but I looked to the branch where It was leaning.

From my own research there is a difference between demons and fallen angels. Demons are the unclean spirits of the children of the fallen angels and womens. The floods of Noah destroyed these children.

Demons once had bodies but they have been destroy long ago and it is the reason they wish to possess another, yours if possible. Fallen angels are more about being worshipped by the deluded who pratise the occult. Called by them gods and goddess but follow them and it is to hell you will go because that is where they are going.

FATHER JOE:

Paul, I cannot say for sure whether you had a spiritual encounter or an aberration of the mind or both. So-called out-of-body experiences, if genuine, are regarded as dangerous and nothing should be done to promote such occult activity. It might make a person vulnerable to a demonic invasion. If a demon appears, the actual likeness of the spiritual entity is a fabricated phantom. Either as an objective effect or as a likeness somehow imprinted upon the mind, the demon is spiritual and is actually invisible. It has no real physical body at all. It could appear as all sorts of things, but none of them would truly reflect the hidden reality.

As for your research, it is wrong. Such deception is itself the work of the evil one. There is no difference between fallen angels and demons— they are one and the same. Demons are not permitted to have children with human women. Such would be a form of the heresy called Manichaeism implying that the demonic or the devil is creative. He is not. The number of angels, good and bad, is fixed. Not having bodies, angelic spirits cannot die. Annihilation is against the divine economy. You would do best to avoid any dabbling in the occult.

Demons never had physical bodies. They still have angelic power and wisdom but are handicapped by the forfeiture of divine grace and the loss of the beatific vision. They have no need of the human body and, in a sense, carry a piece of hell with them everywhere they go. These hell-spirits hate God and they hate you. They do not respect human personhood. Possession is a way for them to mock creation and the incarnation itself. Many of the early Church fathers considered the pagan gods to be demons in disguise.

KARAN: What about other religions? Can it not be believed that other gods too foster us?

FATHER JOE: No, such belief is not tolerable. It violates the commandment about worshipping false gods. God is one, there is no other. Moslems, Jews and Christians would all agree upon this point.

ROGGER: Hello Father Joe, I would like to mention here that there was no Christianity before Christ was born and yet there was religious belief. You, yourself, have different ways to live your own beliefs, which to my surprise, are in opposition to each other, as with Catholics and Protestants. In one the Father (priest) can marry and in other the Father cannot marry; both claim to be right in their own ways. There is no mandatory standard between each other.

FATHER JOE: I am not sure what you are trying to say. Disciplines vary between denominations and the sects of non-Christian religions. The divisions within Christianity are scandalous, but Catholicism sees itself as whole in itself. It is the Church established by Jesus Christ.

ROGGER: Every religion says that GOD IS ONE and your bible and you, yourself, said that Christ was not a god, just a medium with his power. If you still you worship him, not the GOD himself; what’s wrong if other religions worship mediums, since in the end it all refers to the same one god? Please reply.

FATHER JOE: Is English a secondary language for you? That might be the root of your confusion. I fixed your text as much as possible. First, not every believes that God is one. Islam, Judaism and Christianity are monotheistic religions. Second, while we believe there is one divine nature, we as Christians also believe that God is three divine persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The second person of the divine Trinity is Jesus Christ who has both a human nature and a divine nature. Jesus Christ is God. He is one with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the Mediator between heaven and earth, but he is NOT an occult medium. I suspect this is the source of the language confusion. Jesus is the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one is saved apart from Christ. He is the bridge between heaven and earth. He is the revelation of the Father. Even those of other religions, if they should somehow find themselves in heaven, it will be because of Jesus. Likely or unlikely, there is no other saving covenant. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Jewish promise. There are not two covenants, one for Jews and another for Christians. Jesus is the Messiah and Lord. Christians would argue that coming to know and to love Jesus with a saving and active faith is critically important.

dear father joe, I am sure that you receive many letters from crackpots seeking attention. To continue on with this letter is disturbing , aand some what traitores to my family. for many years there has been an unspoken vow of silence concerning disturbing events at my grandmothers house . the people who lived in the house {my family} have all had experiences that some people would consider paranormal. but what I believe to be demonic manifestations. I am 39 years old and still have nightmares about some of the the things that went on there. I believe that a demon possesed different members of my family at different times. a familiar spirit ? I would like for you to contact me .

Hello Father Joe,
My name is hannah.i found this site out of boredom actually.I was raised with no religion and my family is all athiest.So,all though i am 14 i find intrest in learing about religion.Actually.i guess u can kind of call it one of my hobbies(religion) At any rate. I read ALOT about exorsisms and it always leaves me wondering how could this horrible thing actually happen?Of corse my Parents deniy it ever happening.but then again. they also deniy there is a God. Anyways,i was wondering,IS it illegal to perform excorcisms now a days? And how can the church tell between people who are crazy (or pretending to be possesed) to the actually posessed people?And also, Why do demons feel the need to possess people?How do they coose the people they posess!? why those people!? it confuses me.anyways.I appreciate your time

I am happy that I stumbled on this webpage. I am a Roman Catholic. Why is it that people are drawn to the paranormal? Does that just mean we are just curious or does that mean we are being tempted by lucifer? I enjoy watching ghost hunters/ghost adventures over the reality junk that plays on tv on a constant basis now adays. Please let me know your thoughts on this.

Yes, he was taken to the Whitehouse Retreat in Oakville Mo. At one point, while walking the stations of the cross, a change came over him, he broke free from the Priest, started running and tried to take a plunge off the bluffs. They were able to tackle him before that happened. I asked the same question when I became asscociated with the Whitehouse and was told this by one of the Jesuits in charge there. There is also a room where he spent the night. I am not sure how many nights or days he visited. But yes, it is true.

Dear Father,
I fled home because my evil aunt and her accomplices influenced my parents to put herbs in my food. from the time i ate it, my life has been a tirrade of hopelessness, misfortune and struggle to remain in the Lord. I tried talking to priests but they think my problem is psychological. i tried exorcising myself after failing to find a priest willing to do it but my cousin walked into the room whilst i did this and the prayer failed. i have tried novena massess, the rosary…. at this point i seek that God take my life coz i feel a force luring me to pentecostalism and luxuries which are not from the Lord’s hand. Please pray for me for i know now anymore what prayer to say, wwhat to do. I need and ask for wisdom above all else. Thank you. worse of all, my neighbours are dominantly pentecostal and each time my prayer life seems to be picking up they do stuff that influences me down to zero again. whenever i talk to someone about it or try to make friends, something negative happens to them and they dissociate from me. at this point i trust noone, have no friends and i’m afraid to associate with anyone incase i transmit my ‘curse’ or whatever it is on them. it’s a long story but please guide me with a prayer or solution that will heal and restore me. thanks. God bless

I have done alot of research on possession and evil spirits, i am very young and still trying to research to answer my questions. i have seen EVERY movie on exorcisms and each one is the same and different in there own way, of course its Hollywood so they will add non sense things but Are exorcisms real, or are they just a mental illness?

As a former parishioner of St. James Catholic Church, in Mt. Rainier, MD 20712, I grew up with Fr. Hughes as my pastor. I knew Father Hughes from the time he was assigned to St. James as pastor until he died. Fr. Hughes was founding pastor of St. Mathias Catholic Church in Lanham, MD and return to St. James as pastor many years later. How did you obtain this information?

FATHER JOE: Although I have read the Jesuit diary, the late Bishop Lyons first informed me of Fr. Hughes part in the story. It was confirmed by George Chapman who assisted him at the hospital.

Wow. This talked bout more than they showed on TV. Also the pic above, who is that? To this day the movie Exorcist scares me so bad, that I cant watch it all with eyes open. A lot happened to people during the making of the movie. The movie Devil Inside actually scared me cuz it was more realistic. Lots of people said these were stupid, but only cuz they dont realize how true this stuff is.

I must say your account of the information about the “Mt. Rainier” exorcism is extremely accurate, I knew Fr. Hughes and Bishop Lyons personally. Bishop Lyons confirmed me at St. James and Fr, Hughes, I believe was the pastor at the time. Fr. Nagle was the pastor of St. James before Fr. Hughes. It was said that when Fr. Hughes arrived back at St. James as pastor he stated, “fiinally home.” Fr. Frank Bober was his assistant pastor when he died and I am friends with him and talk to him regularly. My cousin, the late Msgr. Gerhardt who spent most of his priestly ministry was at the pastoral center as judge and canon lawyer and in residence at St. Matthews Cathedral.. Bernie was a joy and I enjoyed the many times we shared when we were together at St. Matthews Cathedral.

As I read your account of Fr. Hughes and the arm injury, not to many people knew that. Fr. Hughes would were long sleeve clergy shirts to cover the scar. When he wore a shirt that exposed the scar and someone asked, he would polite like dismiss the question or politely change the topic or attend to some thing else and the issue would be “dropped.” Fr. Hughes was an extremely Holy Priest and did not lie. During the Masses I served as an altar boy with Fr. Hughes after the consecration of the bread and wine, he would hold the bread and chalice up for a long period and whispered prayers in latin and look at the Body of Christ and the Chalice holding the Blood of Christ elevated for a significant period show a great adoration. As a server I would ring the bells for a long time, so it was very noticable that what Fr. Hughes was doing. Fr. Hughes had a great devotion for the Eucharist and Mary. Fr. Hughes was and still is one of many profoundly pious priest I have ever known. I guess after experience what he experienced, it would bring someone closer to a relationship with God.

There are a lot of things I remember about St. James and Fr. Hughes. Fr. Hughes was one of the priest that help me decided my vocation. I hope to share some of the memories of the late Holy Fr. Albert Hughes with you.

Just to let you know I am a novice at typing and I am trying to get better, so please excuse any mistakes or typos. I don’t have time to proof read this.

My name is Nicklaus and I have been a devoted Christian from an early age, and take more interest in Catholicism, though I attend a baptist church because the rest of my family is baptist. I want to get my house blessed and out any…presence you could say.

You see, a few years ago I woke up and was in a cold sweat, and standing in front of me was a tall figure, dressed in a black cloak with no visible face lurking in my room. I was filled with terror, not even able to breath for however long I was staring at it. I felt such hatred emitting from the creature towards me. After a minute, I blinked and it was gone. Since then, I have woken up many times in sweat and a sore throat, from what I believe may be yelling though no one else in the house seems to have heard me.

If I get the house blessed by a Father, will it take any affect even though I am the only one who believes in the Catholic church? Is there anything I can do to not feel the fear I have when I go to sleep?

FATHER JOE: How old are you? If you are an older teen or adult, you should seek out a priest and take instructions to enter the Church. You can respect the Christianity of Baptist family members and still practice as a Catholic. A house blessing might still take place, although the practice is frowned upon in certain Protestant circles. It relies upon sacramentals like holy water and maybe the imposition of a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A house blessing can figure into the arrestment of a negative spiritual entity although Catholics would also pray for the souls of the dead (another practice frowned on by many outside the Church). If it is a godly home, blessings can be quite beneficial. However, if the people who live there remain in serious sin, forget God or dabble in the occult, then any spiritual benefit would not long endure.

As for your own night terror, I would urge keeping a cross or crucifix near your bed as well as a bible. If you feel like you are under attack while in bed, then talk to God in prayer. God will hear and help you. The Lord’s Prayer is very powerful.

As for the faceless figure you encountered, I cannot say much without more details. However, shadow figures are quite commonly reported in ghost sightings. The demonic can also pretend to be a ghost. Let me be honest, there are also chemical and mental issues which can create phantoms without any genuine existence outside the mind, too.

Um, this is a little different for me to be asking because I am an out-going kind of person and never really believed in these kinds of things; but, within the past few years, I have started to believe. And, well as stupid as this may sound, I think I may have a demon. I never seem to sleep and my younger brother says that I seem to sleep walk and talk to him. He says that he can never understand what I am saying because it sounds always so scary. I never remember any of it. I get so scared just thinking about it. But it has only been within the past 6 months that I have really believed. It is because I was in a really bad car accident and hurt myself really badly. I am okay now but ever night after that, things have changed. I see things and hear things.

I believe that evil exists and that exorcisms have a REAL PURPOSE at times.I laso have faith that the dark one or the fallen angel is on the losing team and that love and light is ALWAYS stronger.I’m not religious but I think it says in the bible ” The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation …Whom SHall I Fear ?”

That said I have also read some stories that MAY be the result of people that suffering with dilusions, PTSD from accidents or neurological events in the brain.I myself have heard voices and seen things that seemed real till I was diagnosed with a Genetic Brain disease.That does not mean that I don’t believe in spiritual experiences but the #1) rule in the Catholic Church before exorcism is to rule out psychological and biological causes.Do your due diligence BEFORE you convince yourself that you are up at night talking to a demon or one is in your room.Anxiety,Depression and many other diseases and a vivd immagination can create things that MAY BE ILLUSIONS OR DILUSIONS IN THE MIND ?

I would say it’s always good to pray for the truth when you are in the situation.IT’s always good to pray for protection when you are scared.God will reveal the truth and set you free after you keep up your prayers in sincerety. But …..PLEASE…..do NOT BE AFRAID to speak to your doctor,a neurologist or a psychiatrist to rule out psychological or neurological issues.These events can be a blessing that look and feel like a curse.

Hi Father Joe, it is Nicklaus again.
All my siblings are baptist, my mother and stepfather both atheist. I am 17 years old, though I am turning 18 on February 4.I would not consider my stepfather and mother Godly, though they also do not dabble with anything in the occult. Although about two years ago, my brother drew a pentagram in my room to scare me after we watched a movie, and it has since been removed. Can it still have an affect after it has been bleached away? This sunday I plan to go to a local Catholic church and talk to a Priest, and possibly attend Confession in the near future if I can learn the times it is held… I have gotten many crucifixes since the incident, but I must be forgetful because I keep losing them. I always think I place them on my bedside before I sleep, but my dog must take them because I have lost 4 already. I plan to get my own bible again very soon, and it will be near me at all times.. Any more advice on what to do? Thank you Father Joe.

Hello Father. I have a question, I am a second career seminarian and have heard that the seminaries are full of demons and they try to trip us. Is this true? also I don’t like all the focus of exorcisms I also don’t focus on them. but I also think that a lot of Catholics don’t believe in the devil and the teachings of the Catholic church. In this seminary there are a couple of seminarians that think he is a literary device. What can we do as a Catholic whether Clergy or lay to teach about the 4 final absolutes Life Death Heaven and Hell without all this sensationalism?
There is a priest named Gary Thomas. I read an article in a Catholic magazine in the Chancery while waiting. He is stating that the exorcisms are on the rise. Fr Gary said in the article that they are more of an attachment not full possession. Is this true? Being a seminarian I am very careful not to fall victim of sensationalism as we all want to “see” something and what ever it is don’t matter as long it is “something” . I say this as I want to convey to you and all who read my post, is I am very well aware of the sensationalism that one, harms or makes this ministry more difficult than if we just let the professionals alone and do their work and second, if we focus on exorcisms and not on Jesus the Christ we lose our mission. My last question is how can a seminarian like myself learn about this subject in a positive and constructive way at the same time not to detract the severity of this true ministry. I am not interested in performing exorcisms if I am ever ordained nor get my shelves loaded with DVD movies of exorcisms. Just want to be more educated. Thanks so much Father God Bless Tom

Father Joe,
I’m not catholic or know your beliefs; however I do believe in Christ! What has drawn my attention to you which I found the web by searching for exorcism, to find out more info about… My 14yr old teen is out of control she has open the door for evil to come in by the use of drugs & experimenting w/witch craft which in turn has brought evil in my home! I first notice when I started having nightmares and then whispers into my ear into the witching hour and I would awake but no one was there! My teen has been in and out of Mental hospitals and has been given meds that do not help, she has ran away twice now, she cusses like a sailor & is very hateful! She openly tells me that she speaks to a demon named Jimmy, she is headed down the road of hell and dragging us down with her! I’m about to loose my mind!! I know what your thinking its a discipline problem, no were way beyond that! I fear now for her soul and she doesn’t even care for her life! She is schedule to go to truancy court soon where she will be sentenced for deliberating skipping school! But even with that I don’t know what the sentence will be it could be house arrest, which will only be more damnation on me! What would you do or do you have any suggestions?
Truly,
Hopeless

Father Joe,
I did not grow up in a religious family; although I often went to church with my neighbors as a kid and have been a beliver most of my life. My question is: I have nightmares all the time. In those dreams I am continually batteling demonic spirits. Then I awake and can feel their presence in my room or home. It had been this way since I was a child. We used to have scary things happen like evil sounding voices echo down the halls or hearing knock and pounding noises. Since moving out of my parents home long ago those kind of activities have stopped but the dreams still occur on a regular basis. Can you maybe tell me if that is something I need to worry about?

I am Hindu. But, I believe in all religions. I am in the twelfth standard now and I would like to be your apprentice (successor). Do you have one? I already know many things about this stuff.

There is just one thing I do not understand. How could the devil touch the holy cross or the relic placed by the priest on the boy?

Let me know your answer.

I am all pure and I confess every day, not to Jesus or any Hindu or Muslim god; I confess to the almighty power, god.

To be one of you or to perform an exorcism or to pray to Christ, is it important to be Christian?

You have mentioned somewhere that Christ is the only power; but, what about the religions and beliefs of other people? How can Christ be the ONLY power? I trust him and hope that Christ may forgive me for saying that and for all my sins. But, don’t you think, even to Christ, all people are the same? Is the problem just that people have promoted Christianity in a wrong way?

Several posters refer to The Rite and Fr. Gary Thomas. Father Gary is in a nearby parish. I attended a prayer breakfast with him and a Catholic group just after The Rite came out. The book ends with 2 exorcisms, one recurring and routine of an obsessed software engineer, the other of a Venezuelan girl who lived in the (adjacent) Diocese of Oakland (Alameda). The Bishop of Oakland asked for Fr. Gary’s intervention. The Venezuelan girl was totally possessed, he said. She’d been involved in jungle magic in Venezuela, and continued in black magic in the SF Bay area. When he sprinkled holy water on her in the rectory and began to pray, she “manifested.” Her face immediately changed to that of a monkey, she lunged for his collar, was held down on the carpet by her parents, where she writhed like a snake and screamed. Then she passed out. A few minutes later she woke up and had no memory of it. He called her in the following weeks for a full exorcism and she denied anything was wrong with her. He did not hear from her again.

My daughter has been suffering from illussions such as people trying to kill her and and etc. I have taken her back and forward to hospitals. She has been also taken to prayer warriors. last night she argued with her boyfriend and everytime she argues she gets these attacks. last night the the worse as it was dark and raining, she held a knife and wanted to stab anyone who came near her. She was doing and speaking in sounds that i could not understand. The knife she was holding was shaking and her eyes were so red. I have never seen such during her attacks. Please help.

hi fr. joe i belive that exorcisms should be allowed cause wht other way can they get help and i never really seen one but i want to to experience it nd i want to become a help to help these people god bless father

i am 15 an want to be a exorcist because it interest me and i hope you reply i could use the advice of someone with experience im lost in this world i feel like this can help me find my reason to steal live in this world.

Father Joe, Is there really people now a-days that become in contact with the Devial? Do people to this day have exorcisms preformed on them? I’m very introested in this kinda stuff and would really like to learn some more information on this kinda stuff.. No where online does it really help me with my rearch on this kinda stuff.. Is it only in movies?
Please contact me..

Do you have any thoughts/opinions/beliefs on the idea of demonic possession via methamphetamine addiction? I’ve watched a close friend go downhill rapidly and is currently on her way to a mental institution because of her inability to cope with the drug. I’ve always believed it was just a case of rotting the brain to the point of insanity, but to see so many users and former users all recounting stories that are so similar, it’s compelling, to say the least.

I see that none of you have done the research to find the real name of the boy. The real name that hardly no one mentions in many articles, probaly to protect his true identity is [deleted]. Yes it’s true and he still lives in MD to this day.

May God Bless you father Joe and give you strength for the good work you do , Satan is a LIAR,MANUPILATIVE and HATES the human race and out to destroy and lead souls to hell. I am a firm believer in the catholic faith, I Love God and adore the Holy virgin Mary. For anyone who has tried to experiment with witchcraft and occultism , God is always ready to accept you just sincerely repent for he is Truly Love and only Love.
God bless

I believe anyone can be possessed, regardless of their faith or religious sect. I think I am right in saying that god did not give you the spirit of depair/depression/hopelessness,etc, but the spirit of peace and love. jesus said my peace I give to you.i think possession is very real and many people are afflicted by it even in todays world, why not, if it happened in jesus day why couldn’t it happen in todays world? the clerics who do exorcisms do the lords work through themselves by the power of god. im glad there are men of great faith who do these rituals for those afflicted and free them from that oppression.

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ALMIGHTY GOD

"Father Joe's Blog is great fun to read, too bad I will have to strike him dead with lightning some day!"

THE POPE

"Right after evening prayer, I regularly read his Blog and note corrections for my upcoming encyclicals."

PRESIDENT BUSH

"Before I have my security council meeting each morning, I check to see what's new at Fr. Joe's Blog."

SADDAM HUSSEIN

"This infidel priest is not funny and is ill-informed!"

PRIESTESS (SR.) M T KANE

"He is a right-wing bigot who is anti-choice and anti-woman. The goddess is not happy with his Blog!"

HIS MOTHER

"He is the poorest priest I know, always pontificating about things he knows nothing about; he is a disgrace!"

ALIEN COMMANDER

"The invasion is going as planned and soon all the clergy will be pod-people from outer space, starting with Father Joe."

WITCHDOCTOR ZULU

"Never have I met someone who was so opposed to true ecumenism and religious freedom. I would like to sacrifice him in my dinner pot and wear his head as an ornament. Voices like his need to be silenced! We should all pray and sup together."

ADOLF HITLER CLONE

"This priest is wrong in his opposition to giving holy communion to anti-life politicians and other proponents of choice. He is not in sync with the majority of American bishops! How is that orthodox? Does he want an altercation at the altar? Now, where are my gas chambers and firing squads?"